SHOE CLOSURE DEVICE

Abstract

A shoe closure that includes a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic. The shoe closure also includes end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to footwear. More particularly, the present invention relates devices for use with shoes that are aesthetically pleasing and can be useful.

Over the years there has been a great deal of demand for various articles of fashion. Fashion articles can include various garments, accessories and the like. There is also a growing demand for free doing and reflecting various clothing articles to reflect individual style and taste.

While this can be easily accomplished with dresses, jackets, trousers and the like, the ability to personalize footwear is more problematic. In shoes configured with laced closure mechanisms, the personalization is often times limited to replacing existing shoelaces with shoelaces of other colors. It would be desirable to be able to provide replacements for existing shoelaces that permitted a greater range of creativity.

For many individuals, but wherewith laced closures provides the best and most economical form of footwear. Such footwear provides good foot support, good traction during use and good value for the wearer. Thus laced closure footwear often times is the footwear of choice for very young individuals, sports enthusiasts as well as the very old. For young individuals as well as the very old, laced closure footwear provides challenges. For best usage, the shoes must be untied, the foot inserted into the shoe and the laces tightened and retied. The very young have not acquired the manual dexterity to accomplish this action. Similarly, many elderly wearers have physical challenges that make it difficult to accomplish the tying and untying steps.

Various alternatives have been suggested for laced closure shoes. These include, but are not limited to, strap fasteners configured with loop and passenger attachment mechanisms such as Velcro, zippers, snaps and the like. While useful, many individuals find such configurations to be unfashionable and clunky. Thus many individuals would appreciate shoe that could be configured with a laced closure fastening mechanism that would not require tying and untying.

Finally, various athletic shoes are configured with laced closure fasteners. These laced closure fasteners can cause difficulties and even danger to the wearer if they come undone during a sporting event. Among the dangers are slippage of the associated shoe relative to the foot of the wearer and associated instability as well as the tripping danger in the event that the untied lace is stepped on or becomes tangled. As younger and younger athletes are engaged in training and competitive sports, this can become a greater problem.

Thus there is a desire and an unmet need to provide shoe closure devices that accomplish the closure mechanism of conventional tie laces in an effective and efficient manner.

SUMMARY

A shoe closure comprising that includes a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic. The shoe closure also includes end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a an embodiment of a shoe closure as disclosed herein with a partial cross section;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shoe having an embodiment of the shoe closure device as disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the shoe closure device as disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a detail of an alternate embodiment of an internal member suitable for use in the device depicted in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a detail of an alternate embodiment of an internal member suitable for use in the device depicted in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a shoe closure device that can be used in place of conventional shoe laces. The shoe closure device 10 includes a flexible elongated member 12 having two opposed ends 14, 16 and end regions 18, 20 that are proximate to the respective opposed ends 14, 16. The shoe closure device 10 also includes at least one internal member 22 that is connected to the flexible elongated member 12 at one of the two opposed ends 14, 16.

The internal member 22 projects into the interior of the flexible elongated member 12 a measured distance. The measured projecting distance of the internal member 22 is less than the total length of the flexible elongated member 12. Typically, the length of the internal member 22 is approximately equal to the length of one of the associated end regions 18, 20. In embodiments such as that depicted in FIG. 1, the shoe closure device 10 is configured with two opposed internal members 22 that are positioned proximate to the two respective opposed end regions 14, 16 and each internal member 22 extends inwardly therefrom to a defined distance in the interior of the flexible elongated member 12. The region associated with the respective internal members is designated as end regions 18 and 20.

The shoe closure device 10 also includes a central section 24 defined in the flexible elongated member 12 between as the first and second end regions 18, 20. As desired or required, the shoe closure device 10 can include means for fastening the flexible elongated member 12 to the internal member 22 proximate to the respective opposed ends 14, 16. One non-limiting example of fastening means can include end members 26, 28 such as aglets 50 or the like.

The flexible elongated member 12 can be composed of any suitable material that will provide the device 10 with a first flexibility characteristic. The first flexibility characteristic will one that will permit the flexible elongated member 12 to be bent, twisted, et cetera in suitable manner(s) that permit the central region 24 of the device 10 to conform with the contours of an associated shoe device such as shoe 100.

In the embodiment depicted, the flexible elongated member 12 is composed of any suitable solid or woven material. It is contemplated that the flexible elongated material that the can be naturally occurring material, synthetic material or blends. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include flexible twill or other bias-woven material.

The flexible elongated member 12 can have any suitable configuration. In certain various embodiments, it is contemplated that the flexible elongated member 12 will be composed as a tubular structure that defines an interior region into which the respective internal members 22 can be inserted.

The flexible elongated member 12 can be of any length suitable to lace into a corresponding shoe 100. One non-limiting example of a corresponding shoe 100 is depicted in FIG. 2. The shoe 100 can be configured with suitable eyelets, loops, lugs, or combinations thereof through which the associated shoe closure device 10 can pass in a lacing fashion. These are collectively referred to as closure members 110. The flexible elongated member 12 will be of a suitable length to pass in the desired lacing relationship through one or more closure members 110 to draw the respective closure members together to secure the shoe 100 into proper engagement on the foot of a wearer.

In various shoe configurations, the actual length of the flexible elongated member 12 can vary depending on factors such as one or more of the following: the associated with the number of closure members 110, the angled length between the closure members 110, the length of the lugs, nature of the lacing pattern employed, whether the shoe is designed for a female, male, or a child. The present disclosure is to be construed as encompassing elongated members 12 of various lengths. Typically it is contemplated that the length of the central region 24 will vary depending on the variations in the shoe style etc. The length of end regions 18, 20 will be of a suitable length to permit the respective end regions to make a graceful crisscross and tuck in the manner describe subsequently. In certain embodiments the length of the end regions will be a length up to between 5 inches and 7 inches with some specific embodiments having end regions 18, 20 with a length of up to 6.5 inches.

One non-limiting example of a suitable length for the elongated flexible member 12 is 38 inches. This is a conventional lace length that is considered to be standard in the shoe industry. It is also contemplated that the length of the elongated flexible member 12 can have values other than those specifically enumerated herein. For example, children and infant shoes may employ flexible elongated members 12 that are shorter in order to accommodate the smaller foot size of the shoe and the wearer. Thus the lengths specifically enumerated are considered to be illustrative rather than limitative.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional sneaker or athletic shoe. It is to be understood that the shoe closure device as disclosed herein can be employed with a variety of shoe types and styles. In addition to male and female shoe sizes, athletic and dress shoes as well as cleats, spikes, various running shoes, boots (both work and dress boots), orthotic shoes and the like.

The flexible elongated member 12 can have any suitable width and cross sectional shape as desired or required. The flexible elongated member 12 can have a width suitable to permit the flexible elongated member 12 to the threaded through closure members 110 in an associated shoe 100. The flexible elongated member material can be one that can be rolled or otherwise conformed to pass through closure member 110 to permit positioning of the shoe closure 10 relative to the associated shoe 100 with the first and second ends 16, 18 projecting outward from the closure members 110 a sufficient length to permit adjustment and the like such as will be discussed in detail subsequently. Various cross sectional configurations include but need not be limited to flat, round, ovoid and square.

The shoe closure 10 includes at least one internal member 22 associated with one end of the flexible member. In many embodiments, the shoe closure 10 includes two internal members 22 with one internal member 22 associated with each opposed end region 18, 20, in many embodiments, the total length of the internal member 22 or the additive length of the internal member(s) 22 that are associated with the respective lace closure device 10 will be less than the total length of the flexible elongated member 12 thereby defining the central region 24.

In the embodiment depicted in the various drawing figures, the respective internal member(s) 22 is telescopically received in the internal region defined in the flexible member 12. The internal member 22 is positioned proximate to at least one associated end region 18, 20. In the shoe closure device as depicted in the various drawing figures, each internal member 22 is located proximate to a respective first or second end 14 or 16 and projects inwardly therefrom into the interior of the flexible member 12 for a defined distance. The internal member(s) 22 projects from the respective first or second ends 14 or 16 and terminates at a location defining the boundary of the central section 24 of the shoe closure device 10 as disclosed herein.

In the embodiment depicted herein, when the shoe closure device 10 is in the use position in shoe 100, portions of the device 10 project outward beyond terminal closure members 110′ to define tab ends 30, 32 which form the “unlaced” portion of the shoe closure device in FIG. 2. Each tab end 30, 32 has a specified length. The tab ends 30, 32 will each be of suitable length to permit the unique crisscross and tuck fastening configuration disclosed herein. Where desired or required, the length of each tab 30, 32 will correspond to the length of the associated end region 18, 20 and that in certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the length of the internal member(s) 22 will be approximately equal to the length of the tab ends 30, 32. “Approximately equal” as used herein is taken to mean that the internally projecting end 29 of the respective internal member 22 is positioned proximate to but exterior of the associated terminal closure member 110′ then the shoe closure device 10 is in the operative position. In many embodiments when the shoe closure device is in the use position, the internally projecting end 29 of each respective internal member 22 is positioned at a location immediately exterior to the associated terminal closure member 110′.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, tab 30 is shown in cut away cross section for illustration purposes. The internal member 22 is located in the interior defined be flexible elongated member 12 and is held in place relative the elongated member 12 by aglet 50. In the embodiment depicted, the internally projecting end 29 terminates at a position just outside of the corresponding surface of shoe 100. Thus in the embodiment depicted, the respective tabs 30, 32 can move with flexible freedom relative to the corresponding surface of the shoe 100.

It is also considered to be within the purview of this disclosure that, in certain embodiments and applications, the inwardly positioned end 29 of the corresponding internal member 22 can be positioned at a location internal to corresponding eyelet 110′. When configured in this manner, the region of the internal member 22 as well as the corresponding flexible elongated member 22 can be bent into hooked relationship with the associated eyelet 110′ to provide a secondary securing mechanism for the associated laced portion of the shoe closure device and related shoe 100.

The internal member(s) 22 can have any suitable configuration and composition. In various embodiments, the internal member 22 will be an elongated rod-like structure that is composed of a suitable flexible material. The internal member 22 can have any suitable cross-sectional configuration. Non-limiting examples of such cross-sectional configurations include circular, ovoid, planar and the like. The flexible material employed in the internal member 22 will be one which, when configured into the shape of the internal member 22, will impart flexibility characteristic that are lower than the flexibility of the surrounding flexible member 12. The material employed in the internal member 22 can be one which, when bent will retain the shape imparted until unbent by a suitable external source such as the action of the wearer in preparation for removing the associated shoe. Thus it is contemplated that the flexible member 12 as disclosed herein will have a first flexibility characteristic that will permit the region of the flexible member 12 associated with the central portion 24 will conform to the closure members 110 and the lacing pattern desired. The flexible member, by itself can be a material that is effectively without shape memory. The internal member 22 has a second flexibility characteristic that is less than the first flexibility characteristic. This characterization as used herein is taking to mean that the internal member 22 is bendably rigid and can retain the shape imparted to it until unbent.

As indicated previously, the flexible elongated member 12 can be composed of any suitable woven or bias-woven material. The material employed in the internal member 22 can be a suitable bendable material such as metal, some plastics or the like that can be positioned and repositioned as desired or required. The material of choice will be one that will have suitable transverse flexibility to pass through the various closure members 110 associated with the shoe 100 in order to place the shoe closure device 10 in position relative to the shoe 100. The material employed in the internal member(s) 22 will have sufficient longitudinal flexibility to permit bending, adjustment and the like in manners such as those described subsequently.

The internal member (s) 22 can have any suitable configuration which can provide the end regions 18, 20 with flexibility characteristics of the nature described herein. On non-limiting embodiment of an internal member 22 is depicted in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In the embodiment depicted in the various drawing figures, the internal member 22 can be in the form of an elongated rod. In additional to the projecting end 29, the elongated rod that forms the internal member 22 has an opposed outer end 36 and an intermediate region 38. The outer end 36 is positioned proximate to the associated end 14, 16. In the shoe closure device 10 as disclosed herein, the intermediate region 38 extends inward from the outer end 36 and is configured and dimensioned to be surrounded by the corresponding regions of the associated flexible elongated member 12.

In the embodiment depicted, the internally projecting end 29 is depicted as a having a rounded ball-like member. It is to be understood that the internally projecting end 29 of the internal member 22 can have any suitable configuration. Similarly, while the intermediate region 38 of the internal member 22 is depicted as being generally smooth, it is to be understood that the surface of the internal member 22 can have any suitable surface characteristics. In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the internal member 22 can be configured as an elongated tubular member having parallel spaced arms 40, 42 that are joined at curved end regions 44, 46. In this embodiment, a first end region 44 can be positioned proximate to a respective end 14, 16 of the elongated flexible member 12 and can project inward therefrom to define the respective end region 18, 20 of the device 10. The second or distal end region 46 projects into the interior of the flexible elongated member 12 and terminates at a location proximate to the central region 24.

The internal member 22 can be constructed from any suitable material or materials that will impart bendable rigidity to the internal member 22 and corresponding region of the associated shoe closure device 10. Non-limiting examples of such materials include various metals, metal alloys, polymeric material and mixtures thereof including but not limited to shape memory alloys and the like. It is also within the purview of this disclosure that the internal member 22 can have regions that are composed of different material. Thus the member 22 can have a metal core with a plastic overlay if desired or required. It is also within the purview that specific longitudinal regions of the internal member 22 can be composed of specific material as desired or required.

The internal member 22 can also include suitable means for maintaining connection between the internal member 22 and the associated interior surface of the flexible elongated member 12. Such connection maintaining means can include, but are not limited to, suitable chemical or mechanical attachment mechanisms. Non-limiting examples of such connection maintaining means can include suitable chemical adhesives that can be interposed between the surface of the internal member 22 and the associated interior region of the flexible elongated member 12. Suitable adhesives include but are not limited to materials such as liquid rubber, gutta purcha and the like. Suitable mechanical engagements can include various barbs, prongs and the like that extend outwardly from the surface of the internal member 22 to engage the interior surface of the flexible elongated member 12. One non-limiting example of such mechanical engagements can include fiber projections as would be found on chenille stems and the like as depicted in FIG. 5. It is to be understood that various mechanical engagement members can be located on all or just part of the internal member 22 to enhance frictional engagement between the end member 20, 22 and the associated flexible elongated member 12.

In addition to the optional attachment mechanisms just outlined, the shoe closure device 10 can also include mechanical means for maintaining the internal member 22 in engagement with the flexible elongated member 12. The internal member 22 can be held in engagement with the flexible elongated member 12 by any suitable means. One non-limiting example of such means is to engage the respective end 14, 16 of flexible elongated member 12 and associated end of the internal member 22 such as end 36 in a corresponding aglet 50. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the aglet 50 is configured to be positioned in overlying relationship with the region of the flexible elongated member 12 proximate to respective ends 14 and 16 as well as the corresponding end region 36 of the associated internal member 22. The aglet 50 can be a tubular sleeve into which the elongated flexible member 12 and associated internal member 22 are receivingly inserted. Once in position, the aglet 50 can be crimped or otherwise compressed to maintain the respective elements in fixed relationship with one another.

While the foregoing fastening mechanism is outlined, other fastening mechanisms are also considered to be within the purview of the present disclosure. These fastening means can be employed in addition to or instead of the aglet 50. Non-limiting examples of additional fastening means include heat sealing, chemical fasting and the like particularly located at the respective end regions.

In producing the device 10 a material such as tubular twill can be provided in a desired length and width. It is contemplated that width between ¾ inch to ⅜ inch can be employed successfully in selected embodiments to provide the elongated tubular member 12. The tubular twill can be made of any suitable material such as nylon, cotton, polyester or the like. The length of a given tubular twill flexible used for the elongated member 12 will vary depending upon the number of closure member 110 and type of shoe 100 in which it is employed. In preparing the device 10, internal members 22 can be either inserted directly as is into the associated interior region of the elongated member 12 or can be prepared with a suitable adhesive covering all or part of the surface of the internal member 22 prior to insertion. In situations where a chenille stem or other mechanical friction surfaces are present, it is contemplated that the internal member 22 can be inserted directly into the elongated member 12.

In many embodiments, it is contemplated that the shoe closure device 10 will have two stiffer or less flexible regions such as regions 18 and 20 that are located proximate to the respective ends 14 and 16 with a more flexible central region 24 located intermediate thereto. When in use, the shoe closure device 10 is threaded through associated closure members 110 defined in shoe 100 in any desired lacing pattern. When the shoe closure device 10 in position such that the end regions 18, 20 of the associated device 10 project outwardly from the body of the shoe 110 to form tabs 30, 32. The more flexible central region 24 of the shoe closure device 10 is located in the region of closure members 110. The more rigid end regions 18, 20 that define the tabs 30, 32 can be tucked into the interior of the shoe 100 at any suitable region to maintain the shoe closure device 10 in fixed position.

Where desired or required, once the shoe 10 is in place on the foot of the wearer, the respective end regions 18, 20 that form the tabs 30, 32 can be pulled to tighten and draw up the closures members 110. Tab 30 can be oriented toward the opposite side of the shoe 110. Tab 32 is similarly oriented such that the two tabs 30, 32 cross one another. Once the tabs 30, 32 are crossed the manner described, the two tabs can be back crossed about each other in a manner that causes the internal members 22 sheathed in the elongated member 12 can be bent in hooked manner about one another. The internal members 22 are composed of a bendable material that can retain its shape upon bending. The two tabs 30, 32 when crisscrossed in this fashion hook over one another to help retain the shoe lace device 10 in tightened position. Once oriented in this position, the respective ends of the shoe closure device 10 can be tucked into the interior of the shoe 10 and held in place between the interior of the shoe 100 and the wearer.

Taken in a stepwise fashion, the fastening procedure for the shoe closure device 10 and related shoe 100 is as follows. Once the shoe closure device 10 is in proper position relative to the shoe 100, the shoe is positioned in the foot of the wearer. The various closure members 100 can be brought into secure position relative to one another and the shoe secured in the desired fitted relationship by exerting outward pressure on the tabs 30, 32 as by grasping the tabs 30, 32 and tugging in a generally opposed orientation in a direction outward form the shoe 100. Once the appropriate fit has been achieved, the orientation of the tabs 30, 32 can be reversed by crossing the end of tab 30 from the “A” side to the “B” side and bringing the end of tab 32 from the “B” side to the “A” side. (Referred to as “Position Two”) This can be done in a manner that maintains sufficient outward force on tabs 30, 32 to maintain the associated shoe 100 in secure fitted relationship relative to the foot of the wearer. When oriented in Position Two, the tabs 30, 32 form an “X” in which one tab overlies the other tab at a suitable position. Tab 30 can overly tab 32 or vice versa depending on the desires of the user. In various embodiments, the overlying position will be located generally along a middle longitudinal axis “L” as depicted in FIG. 2.

In embodiments where the interiorly extending end 29 of the internal member is positioned interior of the associated closure member 110′, it is contemplated that this action can achieve the formation of a hook or bend in the internal member 22 proximate to the associated closure member 110′ that can assist in maintaining the shoe in fixed position relative the foot of the wearer.

Regardless of the position of the end 29 of internal member 22 relative to elongated member 12 and associated closure ember 110′, once the tabs 30, 32 have been moved into Position Two, the underlying tab 30 or 32 can be brought back into Position Three in which the end of tab 30 is oriented on the “A” side of the shoe 100 and the end of tab 32 is located on the “B” side of the shoe 100 with the two respective tabs 30 and 32 engaging each other at a location proximate to the longitudinal axis “L” in a manner where the respective tabs 30, 32 catch one another and are in angular relationship relative to one another. The movement of tab 30 from Position Two to Position Three introduces a bent hooklike angle into tab 30 proximate to the longitudinal axis “L” that engages a mating hooklike angle introduced in tab 32 as it is moved from Position Two to Position Three. Respective internal members 22 maintain the hooklike angles until the positions are reversed as when the shoe 100 is to be removed.

Once Tabs 30 and 32 are in Position Three, the outer ends of the respective tabs 30, 32 proximate to respective aglets 50 can be inserted into the space between the interior surface of the shoe 100 and the ankle (or other suitable foot region of the wearer). Suitable locations for such insertion can be any location on the associated shoe 100 where the tab 30, 32 will be maintained in secure fixed position. Non-limiting examples of such positions are those oriented proximate to the upper cuff 120 of shoe 100. In certain embodiments, the location proximate to the upper cuff will be one positioned such that the associated outlet 110′ is positioned between the insertion position and the crisscross defined by the tabs 30 32 as formed in Position Two and Three. This can be referred to as the wearing position or Position Four.

When the shoe 100 is to be removed the step as outlined can be reversed, the shoe loosened and the shoe removed.

Thus the device disclosed herein can be used successfully to eliminate the necessity for tying shoes or repeatedly re-tying shoes it is also contemplated that the device will eliminate excessive lacing as the ends of the device are tucked securely into the shoe. In certain instances, it is also contemplated that the device can be employed as a decorative element in which the ends could be bent oriented to enhance a fashion look. It is contemplated that did the device can be used on all types of shoes including athletic shoes, daily wear shoes, infant shoes, work and dress shoes.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A shoe closure comprising:

a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic; and

end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic.

2. The shoe closure of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongated tubular member defines an interior region and the respective end members are contained within interior region.

3. The shoe closure of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongated tubular member has a tubular member length and the end members each have an end member length wherein the sum of the end member lengths is less than the tubular member length.

4. The shoe closure of claim 1 further comprising means for connecting the respective end members to the flexible elongated tubular member, the connecting means located proximate to the first and second ends of the flexible tubular member.

5. The shoe closure of claim 2 wherein the respective end members are configured with at least one barb in contact with an interior surface of the flexible elongated tubular member distal from the respective and of the tubular member.

6. The shoe closure of claim 2 wherein the flexible tubular body is composed of at least one of a woven mesh material, a woven cloth material or a flexible plastic.

7. The shoe closure of claim 2 wherein at least one of the end members are composed of a flexible solid material selected from at least one of a metal or plastic.

8. The shoe closure of claim 7 wherein the end members include a terminal member positioned interior to the flexible elongated tubular member.

9. The shoe closure of claim 7 wherein at least one of the end members are composed of a central spirals shaft with spindle projections extending therefrom.

10. The shoe closure of claim 1 wherein the end members are composed of a bendable material.

11. A shoe comprising;

a sole;

an upper body connected to the soul, the upper body having an opening configured to removably receive a foot, the opening having a plurality of eyelets spaced relation to at least a portion of the opening;

a shoe closure fastener, the shoe closure fastener received in at least one of the islets, the shoe closure fastener having a) a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section and first and second end regions connected to the central section the second end region distal to the first and region; and b) and members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic.

12. The shoe of claim 11 are wherein the flexible elongated tubular member defines an interior region and the respective end members are contained within the interior region and wherein the flexible elongated tubular member has a tubular member length and the end members each have an end member length wherein the sum of the end member length is less than the tubular member length.

13. The shoe of claim 11 wherein the central section of the shoe closure is positioned in a threaded relationship to one or more of the eyelets and wherein the first and second and regions are located in outwardly extended relationship relative to the shoe body.

14. The shoe of claim 13 wherein the first and second end regions have a length sufficient to engage one another in a fixed relationship when the closure is in a use position.

15. The shoe of claim 13 wherein the first and second end regions have sufficient length to contact defined regions on the body of the shoe.

16. The shoe of claim 13 wherein the first and second end regions are composed of a bendable material of sufficient length to be contoured relative to shoe body.

17. A shoe closure comprising:

a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic; and

end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member and projecting into the interior region of the flexible tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic;

wherein the flexible elongated tubular member has a tubular member length and the end members each have an end member length wherein the sum of the end member lengths is less than the tubular member length.

18. The shoe closure of claim 17 further comprising means for connecting the respective end members to the flexible elongated tubular member, the connecting means located proximate to the first and second ends of the flexible tubular member.

19. The shoe closure of claim 18 wherein the flexible tubular body is composed of at least one of a woven mesh material, a woven cloth material or a flexible plastic and wherein at least one of the end members are composed of a flexible solid material selected from at least one of a metal or plastic.